Berry crumble bars are a delicious dessert made with layers of sweet, juicy berries and a crumbly buttery topping. The base is soft and slightly chewy, while the crumble on top adds a perfect crunch.
This treat is simple to make and perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual snacks. With fresh or frozen berries, it’s easy to customize the flavors. Whether you prefer blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries, these bars are a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness of berries in a fun, handheld form.
Why You’ll Love Berry Crumble Bars
- Simple Ingredients: The ingredients used in Berry Crumble Bars are readily available and straightforward to prepare, making this recipe ideal for both beginners and busy individuals. You won’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find items.
- Easy to Make and Share: These bars are simple to prepare and easy to cut into squares for sharing. They’re great for family gatherings, picnics, or any time you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Healthy and Guilt-Free: Made with fresh berries and minimal sugar, Berry Crumble Bars provide a healthier alternative to many other desserts. With the right ingredients, you can indulge without feeling guilty.
Ingredient Notes for Berry Crumble Bars
Making these delicious Berry Crumble Bars is simple and requires just a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the base of the crumble bars, giving them structure and texture.
- Oats: The oats add a wholesome, chewy texture and help create the crumble topping.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the bars and gives them a rich, caramel-like flavor.
- Baking powder: Helps the bars rise and stay light and fluffy.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the crumble topping and the base.
- Mixed berries: A combination of fresh or frozen berries (like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries) provides a burst of natural sweetness and tartness.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the berry filling, making it perfectly gooey and spreadable.
- Lemon juice: Adds a hint of freshness and balances the sweetness of the berries.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the bars.
How to Make Berry Crumble Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the crust and topping: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
- Make the berry filling: In another bowl, mix the berries with cornstarch, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir gently to coat the berries evenly.
- Assemble the bars: Press the remaining crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Spread the berry filling evenly over the crust.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the berry filling, covering it completely.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares.
Berry Crumble Bars Variation
One of the great things about berry crumble bars is that they can be easily customized. You can switch up the berries to suit your taste or the season. Here are some ideas for variations:
- Mixed Berries: Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a diverse flavor profile.
- Strawberry & Rhubarb: Swap the berries for fresh strawberries and rhubarb for a tangy twist.
- Tropical Fruit: Replace the berries with tropical fruits like mango and pineapple for an exotic variation.
- Nutty Topping: Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the crumble topping for an extra crunch and flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different fruits and add-ins to create your ideal berry crumble bars.
How to Serve Berry Crumble Bars
Berry Crumble Bars are versatile and can be served in several ways:
- Room Temperature: For a casual serving, enjoy the bars at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee.
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm crumble bars with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a comforting dessert.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top for an extra layer of creaminess and richness.
- Packaged for a Snack: Berry crumble bars also make an excellent portable snack. Wrap them up for a quick bite on the go.
Storage Tips
Proper storage ensures that your berry crumble bars stay fresh and delicious for longer:
- Room Temperature: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: To store them for a more extended period, refrigerate them. They will stay fresh for about a week.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
FAQs About Berry Crumble Bars
How can I make the crumble topping crunchier?
To make the crumble topping crunchier, use cold butter and add a bit more oats or almond flour. This will create a firmer, crunchier texture once baked.
Can I substitute the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a healthier alternative. Adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly to maintain the batter’s consistency.
How do I store leftover berry crumble bars?
Store leftover berry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For more extended storage, refrigerate them for up to one week.
Can I add other fruits to the berry crumble bars?
Absolutely! You can add fruits like apples, peaches, or even mangoes to the berry crumble bars. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness to balance the flavors.
Best Berry Crumble Bars Recipe
Equipment
- 9×9 inch baking dish
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
⦁ For the crust and crumble topping:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
⦁ For the berry filling:
- 3 cups mixed berries
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the crust and topping: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
- Make the berry filling: In another bowl, mix the berries with cornstarch, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir gently to coat the berries evenly.
- Assemble the bars: Press the remaining crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Spread the berry filling over the crust evenly.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the berry filling, covering it completely.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares.
Notes
- Use chilled butter: The key to a flaky and crisp crumble topping is to use cold butter. This helps create the perfect texture when baking.
- Let them cool: It’s important to let the bars cool completely before slicing, as this helps them set and makes for cleaner cuts.
- Customize with your favorite berries: Don’t hesitate to mix and match your favorite berries, or even add a handful of nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
